Introduction:-
For modern business, various tools and apps are prevalent in the market to spruce up both local as well as international entrepreneurship. Amidst the few, Google Places is at present one of the most successful free online marketing tools obtainable to local business owners ‘Google Local Business Centre’, was the original name for this tool which was initially introduced to the world by Google. It has now emerged as a significant tool for escalating the visibility of a business on the internet. Millions of people use Google Local (aka Google Maps) to find the best local businesses online, and Google Places has emerged in immense magnitude.
The following are five easy tips to perfect Google Places Business Listing:-
1. Real Business Name and Accurate Business Information: -
Using a real business name without the use of hyperbole or amalgamation of words is a cardinal element in improving business listing. Accuracy of your business information is crucial. Providing potential customers what they need to know about your business is also of utmost importance. The correct business address, telephone number, fax number, website, and email are the key elements over here. Using a real address instead of a Post Box address and a real phone number are also imperative towards the effective business listing.
2. The Right Business Category and Description: -
Google Places provides the choice to list business under 5 different Categories. The choice of the right category is essential for having a successful business listing on Google Places. Always select 1 or 2 of Google’s suggested categories, after which a person can write their categories – up to 3 more – this would ensure the business with added virtual exposure. Ensuring a correct business description of 200 characters is also imperative in this case.
3. The Inclusion of Photos and Videos: -
Photos and videos often add an extra individuality and details to Google business listing. Google Places allows 10 photos to be uploaded. A one to a two-minute video of interaction with customers as well as an illustration of the business milieu may add flavor to the business concerned. A live advertisement of the business would ensure that the business has an upper hand over the others in terms of customer visibility as well as accessibility.
4. Enumerate the Services Section:-
An unlimited number of services can be added to the Google Places listing to specify the business concerned. Without becoming domineering in this section, a fair number such as 6 to 10 services are enough to give the business the attention that it craves from the customers. Ingenuity and creativity are indeed essential in the services listing, but care should be taken that location names are strictly avoided in this sphere.
5. Promote Citations and Customer Feedback: -
Citations are links to the business on other websites. Google uses these citations to understand how dependable the business is. This may be a matter of concern to many business owners. However, there are ways and means of using these tools to one advantage.
The following are three-pointers worth mentioning in this category:
- Ensure in getting listed in various online directories,
- Community advertising is important in this respect,
- And special offers for employees of nearby local businesses may promote one’s own business.
Conclusion:-
It is common knowledge that advertising and marketing through Google is an imperative aspect of the triumph of any business. Google Places escalates it into an influential marketing tool for local businesses. The colossal worldwide audience of Google Maps holds huge potential for any local business to flourish with alacrity.